Our patterns & materials

Clean, finishable designs — printed to be read at the hoop, and worth keeping.

The Stitchmail is a small printed publication for people who love to make things by hand. Each month we send one cross-stitch pattern, the story behind its design, and the thread to complete it — good mail, not a box of trinkets.

What’s in the envelope

The pattern A printed chart with a clear symbol key and a full floss list, laid out to be legible while you stitch.

The story A short printed note on where the motif comes from, the tradition behind it, and a tip or two for working it.

The thread The exact embroidery floss for the design, cut and carded, so you can begin the day it arrives.

How we design them

Patterns start small and grow gently across the run — early issues are quick, few-colour pieces a beginner can finish in a few sittings; later ones reward a bit more time. We chart every design ourselves and count the floss to the stitch, so nothing is missing when you sit down to work.

What you bring

The floss comes with every pattern. You supply a hoop, a tapestry needle, and fabric — 14-count Aida is the friendly default. New to cross-stitch? Write us and we’ll point you to a simple starter kit so your first evening is an easy one.

Materials & honesty

We use standard six-strand embroidery floss and our own original charts. Where a motif belongs to a folk or historical tradition, we say so plainly in the story note rather than dressing it up. Questions or corrections are always welcome: hello@thestitchmail.com.